Use Sawdust to Soak Up Spills

Jenny StanleyOct 29

Clean up used oil spills on the driveway or in the garage easily with a material that’s readily available in most home workshops: sawdust. Reach into those dust-collection bags on your orbital sander, miter saw and other power tools for a big scoop of sawdust. Sprinkle it over the oil and let it do its thing for about 20 minutes.

Using a stiff broom, sweep the sawdust over the spill several times to soak up every last bit of liquid. Then pick up the sawdust in a dustpan and pour it into a plastic grocery bag; tie the handles of the bag in a knot and toss it in the trash. You may need to use a degreaser to remove any oily residue left behind, but the sawdust should do the trick for picking up the bulk of the liquid.

Note: In most states, it’s acceptable to throw oil-soaked sawdust in the garbage (as long as the oil is no longer in liquid form), however, you should check your local rules and regulations before doing so.